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Flights to Muscat

Things to do in Muscat

Discover a diverse choice of things to do in Muscat, from shopping in the colourful souks to admiring modern Islamic architecture and fascinating cultural day trips to the enchanting Forts of Nizwa.

On Muscat holidays you could be lazing beside the pool in a 5 star resort one day, and the next discovering the city’s old world charm and Arabic architecture. Take in stunning scenery, watch camels strolling across the desert or lounge on beautiful sandy beaches. Families will love the Dawn with the Dolphins experience, while the welcoming waterfront offers a true flavour of Omani nightlife.

Shopping

Absorb the sights and smells of Muttrah Souq. You’ll find many unexpected treasures among the chaos of this traditional market, from jewellery to wooden carvings and exotic spices. Mingle with the locals at one of the oldest preserved souks in Muscat, and enjoy an authentic Arabic shopping experience – make sure you try bargaining for the best price.

Sightseeing

Muscat’s mosques and forts are perhaps the city’s most prominent landmarks. Combine days spent learning about the religion and history of this fascinating city with enjoyable day trips to the nearby mountainous regions. Be sure to visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and take a picnic to Wadi Bani Khalid.

Food

Traditional Omani cuisine is fairly simple, but by using rich herbs, spices and marinades it becomes a mouth-watering concoction that will tantalise your taste buds. Try Shuwa, a local delicacy where meat is marinated and wrapped in dry banana and palm leaves, before being slow cooked in a smouldering oven.

Beaches

Enjoy a picnic beneath the swaying palms at Qurum Beach or head to Qantab Beach, a hidden gem with golden sands and a diving centre. You’ll find a small selection of restaurant and cafés lining the beach, while sheltered coves and shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling and safe bathing.

Muscat Experiences

Choose an exciting sightseeing experience

This day tour starts with a spectacular drive through the Hajar mountains, via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz, to reach the impressive 17th century fort of Nizwa. After exploring Nizwa you will continue on to the souk, famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery. Next you will drive via Tanuf and Bahla to the magnificent fort of Jabreen, famed for its wall and ceiling murals.

Enjoy an adventurous trip to the great desert of Oman. Travel past pretty villages nestled in the mountains, as the road winds down to the Wadi. Take a short trek to the deep blue pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, where you will have the opportunity to swim and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then drive to the great desert of Oman, Wahiba Sands, where you will enjoy a thrilling dune drive and learn more about the way of desert life.

Transfer to Bander al Rowdha Marina to join the guide in the search for dolphins and whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and you may even be lucky enough to come across one of the many species of whales, which can sometimes be found just a few kilometres off Muscat’s rugged coast. Enhance your knowledge of nature’s most fascinating marine mammals with the on-board cetacean specialist, on this captivating tour.

Visit the Natural History Museum and the Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world with beautiful art work and chandeliers, as well as a one-piece carpet covering the entire prayer hall. See the Al Alam Palace, flanked by two Portuguese forts - Jalali and Mirani and drive along the cornice to one of Oman’s oldest souks at Muttrah. Wander the narrow alleys, smell the exotic frankincense and sandalwood, and barter for bargains with the Omani stall holders.

Embark on an adventurous day excursion to Wadi Shaab. Travel along the coastline with breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman, offset by white beaches. Stop at the large fishing village of Quriyat before continuing to the spectacular Bimah sinkhole, where you will have the opportunity for a swim. You will then drive to Fins Beach and finally Wadi Shaab, where green pools and abundant shade provide the perfect setting for a picnic.